Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

Media Caption: Healy Leads Record Chase as Australia Defeat India

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the record chasers, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.

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That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their batters to possess a record if never given the opportunity.

In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her most recent brilliance.

Then best known as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Certain people claim the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was much more difficult to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive nature kick in and you completely engage with the contest."

Video Description: 'Fantastic' Healy Makes 142 to Assist Australia Accomplish Unprecedented Chase

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from there Healy was in motion.

"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

Once she was removed the team required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."

That comment will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this tournament should hear.

During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

However although she later admitted those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as skipper.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.

Martin Stokes
Martin Stokes

Elena Voss is a digital anthropologist and writer exploring the cultural impact of emerging technologies.